OUR ORGANIZATION

Working from a sincere interest in issues of social justice, William Boyce Thompson founded the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) in 1924, believing that basic plant research could lead to real societal benefit. Over the almost 100 years since its founding, BTI has evolved to become a premier life sciences research institution, with scientists conducting investigations into fundamental plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture and making basic discoveries that will enhance human health. BTI, located in Ithaca, New York on the Cornell University campus, employs 150 staff, with scientists from over 40 countries around the world, and has twice been named as one of the Best Companies in New York State.

 

Summary

Responsible for managing the Institute’s entire accounts payable process to support the organization in optimizing its financial systems. Demonstrates the ability to maintain and enhance vendor relationships. Coordinates and records proper payments for BTI’s business activities. Performs General Ledger accounting duties independently. Assists with service billings and procurement, within proper internal control parameters. Assists in streamlining and improving the accounts payable process. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local financial requirements.

Essential Job Functions

 

Payments

·         Performs validation and reconciliation of invoices and check requests, and entry into accounting software

·         Processes electronic payments and prepares and distributes checks

·         Performs travel and employee expense reimbursement activities and accounting

·         Performs oversight and accounting for employee credit card usage. Assists with the reconciliation of Institute supplied credit cards.

·         Assists with management of vendor and supplier relationships

·         Performs maintenance of vendor files and records, ensuring compliance with company policies and government regulations

·         Differentiates between Independent Contractors and employees for payments purposes

·         Prepares and issues annual 1099s and summary form 1096

 

General Ledger and Other

·         Participates in the monthly general ledger close with attention to time scheduling of tasks and coordination with team members as necessary

·         Prepares various monthly balance sheet account reconciliations and proposes appropriate adjustments to general ledger balances

·         Assists with the monthly billing of core facilities’ services to internal and external parties.

·         Performs fixed assets accounting

·         Assists with general procurement duties, within proper internal control parameters

·         Prepares and reviews annual forms 1042-S

·         Assists with A-133 audits and other audits as required

·         Other duties as assigned.

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

 

Skills and Qualifications:

·         High school diploma or equivalent. Associates degree preferred.

·         Understanding of basic principles of accounting and finance

·         Excellent time management skills and attention to detail

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business systems

 

Preferred Qualifications

·         An Associates degree

·         Strong accounting skills

·         3 years experience in accounts payable and/or accounting functions

·         Experience with accounting software and online platforms

·         Experience with organizational budgeting

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.

 

Communication Skills: The position requires proficiency with email and Microsoft Office. Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.

Travel: Travel is generally not required.

 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: The work is conducted in an office setting. The work is sedentary with extended periods of sitting. Some walking, standing, bending, and carrying or lifting of small items. Generally, no adverse environmental conditions are present.

 

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked to perform other duties. BTI has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment.